#76 Hep SA Community News

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#76 • January 2018

Community News

Hepatitis D Special

Hepatitis D: An Introduction There are five known hepatitis viruses, helpfully named A, B, C, D and E. The hepatitis D virus, HDV (sometimes known as hepatitis delta), is relatively little-known, because it can only live alongside hepatitis B. This means it needs to be acquired at the same time as hepatitis B, or else someone already living with hepatitis B can be infected with it later on. Because of this HDV is known as a satellite virus. It is estimated that, worldwide, approximately 5% of people living with hepatitis B also have hepatitis D. The hepatitis D virus is transmitted by infected blood

and body fluids. This can happen from direct exposure to blood, through sharing unsterile injecting drug or body piercing equipment, and through unprotected sex. You can protect yourself from both HBV and HDV by: • vaccinating against hepatitis B • practicing safe sex (using a condom) • not sharing injecting equipment, including tourniquets, spoons and filters (use new and sterile injecting equipment for each injection) • avoiding tattooing, piercing, dental and January 2017 •

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cosmetic procedures where equipment is not sterilised • ensuring all equipment is sterilised and no blood to bloodstream contact occurs when undergoing cultural rituals where blood is involved • following the Blood Rule in sport • not sharing toothbrushes, razors, needles, syringes, personal hygiene items

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